Unite calling note for Labour party conference, 21- 24...

Unite calling note for Labour party conference, 21- 24 September 2014

19 September 2014

Tackling inequalities of power, wealth and income; re-engaging people with the political process; and fighting to save the NHS from privatisation will be key themes for Unite, the country’s largest union, at the Labour party conference in Manchester.

On Monday 22 September Unite general secretary Len McCluskey will speak during the Work and Business debate when he will argue that strong labour market institutions, trade unions and collective bargaining are vital in tackling inequality. The case that ‘Britain needs a pay rise’ will be strongly made.

At 12.30 on Sunday 21 September, Len McCluskey will also be speaking at the Daily Mirror event in the Unite marquee on the topic of Putting the people back into politics.

He will be joined on the platform by Harry Leslie Smith, passionate defender of the NHS and author of Harry’s Last Stand; Gill Thompson, campaigner for welfare justice; Ros Wynne-Jones from the Daily Mirror’s Real Britain column; and Tom Watson MP. The fringe will be chaired by Mirror associate editor Kevin Maguire.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Len McCluskey said: "With the Scottish referendum bringing politics alive once more, with people seeking urgent solutions to the growing inequality that is blighting the lives of ordinary people, with a disastrous government ruling for the elite and with around 229 days until the next general election, this is Labour's moment to connect with people and show them that it is the party of progress and change.

“Fairness, equality and justice - and the safeguarding of our beloved NHS - are the changes people seek. Labour is the only party that can deliver these."

The joint union Rally for the NHS at the Unite marquee on Sunday 21 September at 17.45 will feature shadow health secretary Andy Burnham MP, as well as Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail.

Follow Unite on Twitter and on UniteLive for fuller listings of Unite at Labour conference 2015.